It’s been nearly 2 years since we were in Scotland. I posted the first half months back, but it’s taken me so long to get through the images from the second half of our trip. Those days were filled with some of my favorite memories: sheep and cow traffic jams, swimming in fairy pools in our underwear, eating a birthday picnic on top of a random hill we climbed together, and seeing the most beautiful light I’ve ever seen in my entire.

The highlands of Scotland were staggeringly gorgeous, and the Isle of Skye is easily the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Looking at these images simultaneously fills me with wonder and sadness. Scotland is the one place on God’s green earth that my heart will always ache for. The Coolins have put their love on me, and they aren’t letting go.

Sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch and Lochaber I will go
By heather tracks wi’ heaven in their wiles.
If it’s thinkin’ in your inner heart the braggart’s in my step
You’ve never smelled the tangle o’ the Isles.
Oh the far Coolins are puttin’ love on me
As step I wi’ my cromack to the Isles.

If you’re getting married in the highlands of Scotland, and are looking for a wedding photographer, I want to talk to you. Send me an email.

I’m sitting here trying to come up with a word to sum up 2013, and I realized the only one I can come up with is the same one I used in 2012. This year has been a progression, on so many levels. I’ve progressed in my personal and professional life in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. I’ve grown. I’ve taken risks. I’ve had glorious photographic failures, and at the same time, successes that have surpassed them. I have pushed myself as an artist, and a storyteller. I’ve created work I’m proud of, and worked with people who allowed me the space to create.

To my 2013 brides and grooms, consider this a love letter. Consider this a thank you. Consider this a tribute. You all have been a part of my progression. You have all opened your lives up to me and made me, even for one day, feel like I’m a part of your family. You have all pushed me. For that, I am grateful.

To the couples I will be working with in 2014, consider this a warning. You’ve got big shoes to fill.

From Justine: I did it! I completed my first season as super second shooter on team Heather. 2013 has been a life altering year for me. I have crawled out of my shell in so many ways, I’ve learned to embrace the beauty around me and have started to become what I think is an adult. I could not of accomplished this much without the help and support of my ever so gracious friend and Mentor, Heather Jowett. I tip my hat to you, and look forward to many more car rides filled with laughter and NPR tears, they’re real, look it up.

I would like to thank the real stars of the year, the couples. Thank you for letting me glimpse into your love stories for a day. I am genuinely inspired by your radiant smiles, your subtle glances and your continuous hospitality. You have made this season unforgettable for me! I look forward to the future, to the new lovers and the adventures they will take us on.

This post is for everyone that has made this season possible, thank you.

From Heather: When I first decided to make Justine a part of the team, I wondered what would happen. Would she progress? Would she learn? Would she get along with my clients? Would she come to a point where her work could speak for itself? I’ve had a year to answer those questions, and the answer is Yes, on all accounts. I’m so proud of the progress Justine has made in just one year of shooting weddings by my side, and can’t wait to see the images she’ll make this year.